Court: Rapper's Lyrics Aren't Evidence

posted by Matt Cantor, Newser Staff
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2 years ago

(NEWSER) – Disturbing though they may be, justices say, a man's violent rap lyrics can't be used as evidence that he tried to kill someone. New Jersey's Supreme Court reached a 6-0 decision in the case of Vonte Skinner, who is accused of shooting and paralyzing a man.

Skinner wrote extensive violent rap lyrics, and they helped result in an initial conviction in the case. But an appellate court said the lyrics couldn't be used as evidence, and the high court agreed. Use of the lyrics is "highly prejudicial," the court said, and it could end up "poisoning the jury," the Star-Ledger reports.